In September 1981‚ Ron became a firefighter for the FDNY. He worked in E275 for 10 years and then worked for L126 for 2 years. He was promoted to Fire Marshal in 1993 and in September 1997‚ he was promoted to Lieutenant. After one and a half years as Lieutenant‚ he was accepted in the SOC Unit – Special Operations Command. He was a Lieutenant in Squad 288 in Queens. He served 20 years with the FDNY.
The fire service was a great part of Ron’s life. He joined the volunteer fire service on Long Island in 1982 as a firefighter with the Jericho Fire Department. In 1985 he moved to Levittown and joined the Levittown Fire Department. He was a member of Ladder Co. 1 and served as their Captain before becoming Deputy Chief in 1993. He served as Chief of Department in 2000 and 2001.
Ron was a loving husband and father of three beautiful children. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a spontaneous personality.
Ron will be remembered as a hero for giving up his life to save others on September 11‚ 2001. He will also be remembered for the way he lived. He dedicated his life to helping others. He is dearly missed by his family and friends and he will forever be in their hearts.
You are not forgotten
– Greg KinneyI just completed the Firefighter Stairclimb in Melbourne Australia with your name and photo on my entrants bib . Ironically I am a leautenant also and I am 42 as well. Rest Easy Brother
– Todd AtkinJust completed a tribute climb with Mr. Kerwins name and photo attached to my gear. It was an honor getting to remeber you and climb in your honor
– Austin RadinzelI participated in the Colorado 9/11 Stair Climb this morning at Red Rocks Amphitheater. I carried a “badge” with Ronald Kerwin’s photo on it today. Thousands of people participated this year at Red Rocks, this was my first. It was a great physical challenge for me, but nothing like the challenge of all the firefighters climbing the stairs in full gear. Having Lieutenant Kerwin’s photo with me made me push harder through every lap of stairs. It was an honor paying tribute to him on this somber, yet beautiful day.
– Kim WrightI climbed in your honor today Lt, at Red Rocks in Colorado. Your memory lives on. Rest In Peace.
– TonyaI participated in the 9/11 Stair Climb in Green Bay Wisconsin today in your honor. You will not be forgotten.
– KatieYou are not forgotten…..
– Brent Smith. - Columbus, OhI climbed on Sunday in memory of your final ascent to rescue those people. It was an honor to represent you. I, too, am a LT. in NH. The event was held in Manchester, NH. Peace, brother, and thank you for your commitment to country and community.
– Jim RyanI just climbed Red Rocks in Colorado this morning in your honor. I climbed 9 x around to equal 110 stories. You will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace, Hero.
– Adrienne SommersThis last Saturday (September 7), I completed the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I was presented the opportunity to climb in your honor and I am humbled. With local firefighters in front of me the entire way, I was unrelenting and never once hesitated in my climb, just like you. You were my inspiration and I’m forever grateful for your sacrifice. Your family will forever be in my prayers and I will NEVER forget!
– Andrew J BlindauerNever forgotten.
– Jeannette Kerwin FlagerRon and his family are always in my thoughts and prayers.
– JohnHaydenGreat firefighter and an even better gentleman.
Proud to have known him
I have the honor of climbing in the 2022 CNY Stair Climb for Lieutenant & Past Chief Ron Kerwin
– Corky RisleyI had just done a 9/11 memorial stair climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wi. They had given us badges with fallen firefighters, and I chose Mr. Kerwin. It was a honor to ring the bell in his memory. God Bless You and Thank You for your sacrifice.
– Josh. FullerMy son completed the stair climb here in Tennessee this morning with your name printed on a card in his hand. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.
– Phillippa AureliusI climbed for you for the sixth time at the Kansas City Stair Climb. I have 6 lanyards with 6 badges with your picture on it. It was just as much an honor this time as it was the first time. Rest easy
– ryan riveraSeeing your face as you walked towards the towers on YouTube has struck me decades later. I feel like I could step through the screen and stop you but know that’s impossible what is to take place will never be stopped and sir you could never be stopped and for that I will drive a lifetime of motivation and grit.
– William HarperI had the honor of carrying your picture today as I ran in your loving memory, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
– Orfelinda LopezI had your name and picture on my lanyard for the 2024 memorial stair climb in Atlanta
– Samuel